The Niger State Government has called on residents of more than 2,000 riverine communities across the state to immediately move to safer locations following renewed flood warnings issued by the Federal Government and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
The advisory comes amid heightened concerns over the possibility of severe flooding due to expected heavy rainfall and increased water levels in major rivers, particularly in flood-prone local government areas.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the state government stressed that the precautionary measure was vital to safeguard lives and property, urging local leaders, traditional rulers, and emergency response teams to mobilize and assist residents in making a swift and orderly relocation.
According to the Commissioner for Environment and Forestry, Niger State has already begun activating its emergency response protocols and liaising with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to support potential victims with temporary shelter, relief materials, and logistics.
“We cannot afford to wait until disaster strikes. The safety of our citizens is paramount, and we are urging everyone living near riverbanks or low-lying floodplains to relocate now. Prevention is better than cure,” he said.
NiMet had earlier forecasted above-normal rainfall in several parts of the country, warning that this could lead to flooding, particularly in states with significant riverine settlements like Niger.
This latest directive adds to the growing list of states bracing for climate-induced flooding as Nigeria enters the peak of the rainy season.
